07/19/2026
A Letter From Our Executive Director:
Matthew 25:35 says “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you took me in.”
God has richly blessed Churches United and has allowed this organization to be a blessing to others. Through numerous generous donations, Churches United has been able to invest in the future of our mission and expand our impact throughout the community.
These blessings have enabled Churches United to assist in the opening of two new food pantries, support the reopening of a third pantry, and provide funding to strengthen existing pantry ministries. God has also placed Churches United in a position to learn, grow and build new community connections.
Through these partnerships, we have learned that there are underserved populations in our community who need food assistance, but do not come to the meal site. Another group we assisted with serves sack lunches to the elderly and school children during their school breaks. Because of these new community relationships, Churches United has been able to help provide food and additional support to those individuals and families.
We are also grateful to have hired our Hunger Relief Coordinator, Taelor Denton, who leads volunteers in rescuing food from local businesses and distributing it to area food pantries. Through her leadership, Churches United has become a licensee of Food Rescue U.S. which gives us the tools necessary to organize a food rescue effort that has delivered more than half a million pounds of food to the Quad Cities area in 2025.
As Churches United explores new opportunities to serve, we continue to seek partnerships with organizations whose services complement our mission. Through collaboration, we can connect those in need with resources beyond what Churches United can provide. Winnie’s Place is one such opportunity. The partnership between Winnie’s Place and Project NOW ended because they lost federal funding. The shelter is currently undergoing much needed renovations. With generous support from the LDS Church, we installed new sliding patio doors in all six units, and completed repairs in one lower unit. Renovations on the remaining five units are underway and are expected to be finished by fall. Although at this time, Winnie’s is not accepting new residents, we are actively searching for a community partnership in which the building can be put to use most effectively to assist individuals and families facing housing insecurity.
At the same time, Churches United-along with many partner organizations-faces increasing challenges. Assistance for those in need is being reduced at a time when grocery prices continue to rise, rent remains unaffordable for many families, housing shortages persist, and homelessness continues to increase.
In Response, Churches United is Prayerfully Discerning the role we are called to play in meeting these growing needs. We remain focused on expanding our efforts to feed and support those who are struggling during these difficult times.
Matthew 25:40 “And the King will answer them, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you did for me.”
God Bless
Rev. Jay McCowan
